Keyloggers found on HP laptops

Recently we wrote about the dangers of keyloggers, a dangerous piece of software that can track everything you type in to your keyboard.

The seriousness of the threat posted by keyloggers has been highlighted today in a report by security researcher Michael Myng. The report, which can be viewed here, found that hidden keylogger software was pre-installed on the systems of hundreds of HP laptop models.

According to the report, as many as 460 models of HP laptops had been found to contain keyloggers including EliteBook, ProBook, Pavillion and Envy ranges dating back to 2012.

This hidden programme could be capturing everything you type

You might not realise it, but your computer could be infected with a form of malware which collects everything you type into your keyboard. Throughout the day it could harvest passwords for your banking, social media accounts and other personal information –which could lead to identity fraud, blackmail and more.

What is a key logger?

The programme in question is called a keystroke logger – or a key logger for short. While these programmes can sometimes be used for honest purposes, they are often also used by cyber criminals as a way of mining important personal information from individuals or businesses. This information could then be used to hijack your accounts, steal customer or client information, exploit your bank account or blackmail your business.